Fisheries Division

The Fisheries Science Division under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) coordinates and monitor the research and academic programmes in fisheries and aquaculture of five resource specific fisheries research institutes viz., ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA); a Deemed University, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE); a bureau, ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) and a directorate, ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR) which are also supported by a wide network of their Regional/Research/ Field centres. The Fisheries Science Division has also initiated Network Projects on Mariculture and Fish Health Management and coordinating a Consortium Research Platform (CRP) project on 'Genomics' as in-built components of the on-going plan schemes, during the XII plan period. Besides, the Division is also undertaking three Outreach projects viz., Fish feeds, Fish genetic stocks & Nutrient profiling and evaluation of fish as a dietary component.

The research programmes of the fisheries research institutes have been strengthened, re-structured, re-oriented and prioritized with thrust on enhancing fish production and productivity through optimum and sustainable utilization of resources with due emphasis on conservation of fish resources to realize the full production potential from the fisheries and aquaculture sectors and to address the critical research gaps. The research implementation, monitoring & evaluation mechanism has also been strengthened for bringing more accountability and transparency in the research programmes.

Vision

‘Fish for All for Ever’

Mission

Sustainable growth of Indian fisheries and aquaculture by interfacing research, education and extension resulting in a proper fit between the human needs and the habitat, with an important role in global fisheries.

Mandate

To formulate and supervise Council’s policies and work pertaining to fisheries research.

To coordinate and stimulate operational research programmes and demonstration in different fisheries systems.

To serve as knowledge repository and clearing house in fisheries sector.

Priority Areas

Development and up-gradation of databases of finfishes, crustaceans, molluscs and other important aquatic organisms including their molecular aspects.

Mapping potential fishery resources of the country using geospatial data and remote sensing for generating computer-based models on fishery management in open waters.

Development of sustainable management models for open water fisheries resources in the context of changing resource structure and climatic conditions.

Developing/upscaling of seed production and grow-out technologies of important finfish and shellfish species of commercial and conservation value of freshwater brackishwater and marine ecosystems.

Species and system diversification of commercially important fish species for freshwater, brackishwater and marine aquaculture.

Stock improvement of commercially important finfish and shellfish species for growth, disease resistance and other traits of importance through selective breeding, marker-assisted selection and other biotechnological approaches.

Breeding and rearing of ornamental finfish and shellfish species of freshwater and marine origin.

Development of cost-effective and nutritive diets for different life stages of diversified fish and shellfish species, including ornamental species.

Development of diagnostics, vaccines and disease management measures for current and emerging diseases.